Don’t Give Up Hope!

When I listened to the readings proclaimed at Mass today, one word kept jumping out at me – Hope! The Random House Dictionary defines “hope” as “the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.” In a Christian sense, there is an even deeper meaning to the word. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines “hope” as “the theological virtue by which we desire and expect from God both eternal life and the grace we need to attain it.” (CCC 1817)

For anyone who is struggling with problems and suffering in this life, I suggest that you take a look at the following excerpts from today’s readings. In the First Reading:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord.” (Jer 17:7)

In the Responsorial Psalm:

“Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.” (Ps 40:5)

In the Second Reading:

“If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all.” (1 Cor 15:19)

In the Gospel:

“Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied.Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh.Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.” (Lk 6:20-23)

No matter what you’re going through in this life: financial problems, sickness, death, loneliness, boredom, frustration, sadness…always remember that this life “isn’t all there is”. By virtue of the fact that Jesus Christ died on the cross in atonement for the sins of all mankind, you have the ability to live in the perfect happiness of heaven FOREVER. Every bit of suffering in this world will come to an end one day. For the time being, ask the Lord for the grace to carry your cross until you reach the finish line. When you begin to doubt, hold onto the hope of eternal life promised by Our Lord. That should be enough to get you through anything!